At Sofia Royal Palace, Ferdinand was holding a cabinet-level government meeting to discuss postwar economic restructuring. Chief of the General Staff Klosov suddenly burst into the conference room and said urgently, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid the Russians may be finished!"
At this news, everyone's expressions changed drastically. They did not care whether the Russians lived or died; indeed, Bulgaria might even gain some advantage if Russia collapsed.
But that did not mean they wanted Russia to collapse right away! At the very least, it had to wait until after the World War ended! Better yet, delay it another two or three years—until Bulgaria completed its economic restructuring. Then, if Russia fell apart, it would be perfect!
Ferdinand was also somewhat surprised. No one likely understood the chaos within Russia better than he did. Even Nicholas II himself probably possessed less intelligence than Ferdinand, yet there had been no indication that the Tsarist government was about to collapse!
At the very least, the Tsarist government still had the support of the Russian military. Though the bourgeoisie had been stirring up trouble everywhere and disrupting the economic order, they had not yet raised the banner of rebellion, had they?
Ferdinand frowned and asked, "What happened?"
Ferdinand did not believe Klosov was firing off without a target. If nothing major had happened in Russia, how would he dare barge so hurriedly into the conference room?
Christoph took a long breath before answering, "Yesterday, the German air force launched a surprise attack on the Russian army's supply depots. The Russians suffered grievous losses, and they have already asked us for aid.
"Moreover, their troops in Poland forced their way into the Austro-Hungarian Empire this morning and are heading for Czechia. Supposedly, they intend to join up with our forces and attack the Germans together!"